Abstract
BackgroundAustralia and New Zealand have the highest skin cancer incidence rates worldwide, and sun exposure is the main risk factor for developing skin cancer. Sun exposure during childhood and adolescence is a critical factor in developing skin cancer later in life.ObjectiveThis study aims to test the effectiveness of wearable UV sensors to increase sun protection habits (SPH) and prevent sunburn in adolescents.MethodsDuring the weeklong school leavers outdoor festival (November 2019) at the Gold Coast, Australia, registered attendees aged 15-19 years were recruited into the field study. Participants were provided with a wearable UV sensor and free sunscreen. The primary outcome was sun exposure practices using the SPH index. Secondary outcomes were self-reported sunburns, sunscreen use, and satisfaction with the wearable UV sensor.ResultsA total of 663 participants were enrolled in the study, and complete data were available for 188 participants (188/663, 28.4% response rate). Participants provided with a wearable UV sensor significantly improved their use of sunglasses (P=.004) and sunscreen use both on the face (P<.001) and on other parts of the body (P=.005). However, the use of long-sleeve shirts (P<.001) and the use of a hat (P<.001) decreased. During the study period, 31.4% (59/188) of the participants reported receiving one or more sunburns. Satisfaction with the wearable UV sensor was high, with 73.4% (138/188) of participants reporting the UV sensor was helpful to remind them to use sun protection.ConclusionsDevices that target health behaviors when outdoors, such as wearable UV sensors, may improve use of sunscreen and sunglasses in adolescents.
Highlights
Skin cancer is Australia’s national cancer and was estimated to account for more cases diagnosed than all other cancers combined and costing over US $580 million to treat each year [1,2,3]
The primary outcome measure was the sun protection habits (SPH) index described by Glanz et al [30] and updated by Heckman et al [31] for young adults, which queries the frequency of 7 sun protective habits that are used when outdoors using a 4-point Likert scale (1=never or rarely, 2=sometimes, 3=usually, and 4=always), which are averaged to derive the score, including wearing a shirt with sleeves, wearing a hat, wearing sunglasses, wearing sunscreen with a sun protection
The color change was observed in part shade when the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) level was low, 0.21 uW/cm2, and no color change was observed when the indicator was in full shade, 0.0 uW/cm2
Summary
Skin cancer is Australia’s national cancer and was estimated to account for more cases diagnosed than all other cancers combined and costing over US $580 million to treat each year [1,2,3]. Childhood and adolescence are critical periods during which exposure to UVR contributes to skin cancer in later life [5]. Australian adolescents continue to report high-risk behaviors such as spending long periods of time in the sun and positive views of tanning [8]. These findings are concerning and highlight the importance of preventative strategies during adolescence or young adult years, which may have a substantial impact on health outcomes later in life [9]. Sun exposure during childhood and adolescence is a critical factor in developing skin cancer later in life
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
